Problem customer

**eagleeye** · 05-02-2010

Hi guys I recently posted a message on here regarding a problem I have. Basically i fitted a new kitchen for them and new electrical circuits. RCD board and all. I noticed that the gas and water had no earth connection on them so told the lady and she didnt want me to do it as i would charge her because it wasnt part of my estimate. Also when i put in the new ringmain 2 sockets on the downstairs stopped working. The house needs a rewire as the wiring is in a right mess as are the old fuse boards and this problem would have been sorted out then. She was refusing to pay me for some other extra work that i did so i didnt give her a certificate until she sorted it out. She has now got in touch with the NICEIC who im registered with and they have sent me a letter about it. they want a response by 11th Feb. What do you people think about this?

Regards
Paul

**bugsy** · 05-02-2010

If you changed the C.U. without doing the required assement i.e. bonding etc your on a sticky wicket
No bonding - No C.U.
Check it out on NIC website dowmload section
I still think your on a very sticky wicket

**eagleeye** · 05-02-2010

New ccu was only doing the new kitchen circuits. the old ccu was left in and was gonna be changed when rewire was done.

**baldsparkies** · 05-02-2010

To be fair the bonding requirements should have been included in your original estimate. Its a code 1 so alarm bells should have rung for you. Its a question of customer/contractor communication breakdown. To be fair its you who has the obligation to supply certification and although frustrating holding back on the certs as a form of blackmail until your paid was not a wise move. You need to think your position through carefully.And try to put your case in a fair way. I wish I could be more helpfull and you have my sympathy for what its worth. Good luck.

**bugsy** · 05-02-2010

Did you find the fault on the two sockets,
Did you recommend PIR

Providing the work you carried out was only on the new ring and that was up to scratch offer them the installion for inspection
but if you install aew C.U.even if it was just for the kitchen bonding requirements still apply

**Jason.S** · 05-02-2010

You cannot with hold a certificate, even if you havent been paid.

Unfortunately these cant be used as leverage when chasing for money.

**calv68** · 05-02-2010

You should of inspected and tested that property first if you where in any doubt about the installation, and informed and quoted the customer accordingly then you wouldnt have been in this mess, i really hope you learn a lesson from this

**baldsparkies** · 05-02-2010

Originally Posted by Jason.S

You cannot with hold a certificate, even if you havent been paid.

Unfortunately these cant be used as leverage when chasing for money.

Jason is spot on, as said its never a good idea to hold back on certs. I would get them off to the customer asap. You really need to consider how the niceic are going to view your actions. Try to be proffessional in your responce, and remember there's two sides to every story.

Bit harsh calv, This is an example of where part P can take you. The question should be, are you a kitchen fitter with NICEIC membership or an electrician with NICEIC membership. The can of worms has been well and truly opened.